Billions of birds migrate south in fall, and reflected sky or foliage in glass can cause fatal collisions. Experts recommend turning off unnecessary lights, marking windows, planting native plants for fall food, cleaning feeders and keeping pets indoors.
Adriaan Dokter, who published a 2018 report, said an average of 4 billion birds move south from Canada into the U.S. each autumn, while another 4.7 billion leave the country for the tropics. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that 15 million to 20 million birds were expected to pass over Georgia by the end of September, with more in October.
Birds usually begin migrating 30 to 45 minutes after sunset, according to BirdCast. Decals, tape, paint or UV film can break up reflective window surfaces. If a bird hits a window, experts say to pick it up with gloves and place it in a box or paper bag with holes for air, lined with tightly woven cloth or paper towel. Contact wildlife officials or an organization such as Animal Help Now; do not give the bird food, water or heat.
